The Oakland Athletics announced that they will be leaving Oakland after this season and playing temporarily at a minor league park near Sacramento until their new stadium in Las Vegas is constructed. The team will play at the home of the Sacramento River Cats from 2025-27, with an option for 2028. The decision came after the A’s were unable to reach an agreement to extend their lease in Oakland beyond this season. Owner John Fisher expressed disappointment about the failed negotiations but stated their intention to honor and celebrate their final season in Oakland.
The Athletics initially announced their intention to move to Las Vegas in April, with MLB owners unanimously approving the relocation application in November. This decision was met with backlash from fans in Oakland, leading to a significant drop in attendance at the outdated Coliseum. The team drew a league-low 832,352 fans last season, and attendance continued to decline this season with protests against Fisher and low turnout at games. The move to Sacramento for the next three seasons at Sutter Health Park will provide the team with a new venue to play their home games.
Sutter Health Park, located in West Sacramento near the state capitol and the NBA arena where the Sacramento Kings play, has a seating capacity of 10,624 fixed seats and can hold up to 14,014 fans with lawn seating and standing room. Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé, who also owns the River Cats, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the A’s to the ballpark and highlighted the vibrant sports market in the area. The arrangement will see the River Cats and the A’s sharing the stadium for the next three years, providing both teams with a new playing environment.
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed gratitude towards the Kings and the leaders in the Sacramento area for finalizing the agreement to host the A’s at Sutter Health Park. The move marks a significant shift for the Athletics franchise as they prepare to transition to a new home in Las Vegas. Despite the disappointment among Oakland fans, the team recognizes the historical significance of their final season in the city and plans to celebrate their time in Oakland before making the move to Sacramento and eventually to their new stadium in Las Vegas. The A’s will continue to compete in their remaining games with a focus on building towards the future and creating memorable experiences for players and fans alike.
